Comprehensive Study Notes on the Cuban Revolution, Communism, and U.S.-Cuba Relations

Pre-Revolutionary Cuba and the Rise of Castro

  • Historical Visibility:

    • During the 1980s, Cuba featured far more prominently in news coverage than it does today.

  • Pre-Revolutionary Tourism and Resourcing:

    • Before Castro took over, Cuba served as a popular vacation destination for Americans and Europeans.

    • The island was considered a beautiful location frequented by numerous movie stars.

    • Prominent figures maintained properties on the island, including a famous writer believed to be Hemingway.

  • Governmental Transition:

    • Upon Castro taking control, Cuba transitioned into a communist nation.

Ideology and Implementation of Communism

  • Core Definition of Communism:

    • Communism involves complete governmental control over society and the economy.

    • Wealth is considered to belong collectively to the country rather than to individual citizens.

Economic and Social Impact: Seizure of Private Wealth

  • Expropriation of Private Property (The Example of Jaime):

    • Prior to the revolution, an individual (such as Jaime) could inherit significant wealth, possess a large, beautiful house, own several cars, and maintain a large bank account.

    • Under Castro's regime, private ownership of large estates was terminated under the principle that individuals do not need to accumulate extensive private wealth.

    • Large private homes were declared government property belonging to the country of Cuba.

    • Citizens stripped of their properties were relocated into small, one-bedroom apartments.

  • Seizure and Protection of Financial Assets:

    • Government authorities removed all money directly from private bank accounts.

    • In response, some citizens hid and stashed their cash to protect it.

    • Many individuals transferred their gifts and financial assets out of the country.

U.S.-Cuba Political Strain, Embargo, and Travel Bans

  • Geopolitical Standoff:

    • Relations broke down due to major geopolitical conflicts, specifically the Cuban Missile Crisis.

    • Conflict led to a complete halt in movement and trade between The US and Cuba.

  • Travel Restrictions:

    • Individuals who decided to stay in Cuba were forbidden from traveling to The US.

    • Cuban citizens could still travel to other parts of the world, such as Mexico, Spain, or any other non-US nation.

    • Direct travel back and forth between The US and Cuba was entirely suspended.

  • Trade Restrictions and Import Bans:

    • Trade was completely severed, making it illegal to bring Cuban products into The US, including Cuban cigars.

Technological Stagnation and Attempted Migration

  • Import Dependency and Automobile Freeze:

    • Cuba does not manufacture its own automobiles; all vehicles had to be imported.

    • Because trade between The US and Cuba ceased after the revolution, vehicle imports stopped completely.

    • As a consequence of the trade halt, citizens were stuck utilizing 1950s vehicles, which remain visible in pictures of Cuba.

  • Legal Restrictions on Leaving and Escape Attempts:

    • For those who stayed in Cuba, it subsequently became illegal to leave the country to travel to The US.

    • To escape, individuals constructed homemade rafts or watercraft using homemade brass and whatever materials were available to try to cross over to The US.

    • A specific rule of thumb was established by The US regarding these arrivals.